Comments on the Military and Business Ownership

“The Army instilled three traits into my personality. Discipline, honor, and initiative. Discipline helps me to run my business effectively and efficiently. Honor allows me to maintain a solid client base because I strive to "do the right thing" at all times, even if it means losing money on a job. Initiative gives me the desire to constantly improve processes, keep up with new technologies, and take advantage of opportunities to provide new and improved services to my clients.”

David Sazama - eFusion Systems

“Professionalism and teamwork were skills I honed in the USAF.”

Gregory Pierce - ENGISYSTEMS Inc.

“It has helped me keep deadlines, be well organized.”

Dawn White - White's Cleanit

“It taught me honor, integrity, hard work, perseverance, adaptability, how to improvise, overcome and complete on each mission.”

Shelly Bauer - Universal Investigations, LLC

“The experience acquired during my 23 years of military service and our unique approach to identify and complete our projects, places us at a different level than that of our competitors. Indirectly we are still serving our nation and those that are currently serving and we are extremely proud for it!”

Alfredo Quiros - Telum Protection Corp

“The discipline it takes to be a successful soldier benefited me the most. I am able to focus and accomplish specific tasks more effectively because of my military experience.”

Jacqueline Ingol - Beautiful Plants LLC

“Taught me discipline!”

Pete Brush - My Geek For Hire

“The discipline and rigid routines have prepared me to be honest, trustworthy, and above punctual in my approach to all of my inspection activities.”

Thomas Spoor - Quality Home Inspection

“We’re trained to do our jobs and react to certain situations just the way civilian employees are. But we also have leeway to use our intelligence and awareness to respond to new situations and come up with new ways of doing things. We work in teams, so as problems come up, we solve them collectively and understanding the company’s mission and looking to my to employees for insights are all skills I learned while in service. In the military, we work in teams, and we have leaders just the way.”

Frank Valenti - Fulton Graphics, Inc.

“Has provided me the leadership skills to run a successful business.”

Stephen Pearson - High Tech Crime Institute Inc

“The military taught me primarily to listen and learn, understand diversity, and work with everyone. Using my planning skills, multi-tasking experience, and level of understanding of people and industry, I have worked to develop processes and innovative techniques to improve not only a business, but the employees and atmosphere. The Military taught me that - everyone has a great idea - it just takes the right time and the right person to hear it and how to focus on it!”

Ron Craw - Improvement Innovations LLC

“Self-discipline, confidence and structure I gained while serving in the USAF.”

Jyl Hendricks - All Cape Painting & Carpentry LLC

“As a Marine Corps Sniper in Vietnam, it taught me the importance of being careful and paying close attention to small details.”

Dan Bowers - Holmes Inspection Company

“The military taught me work ethics. Work hard when it is time to work and shut it off when it's done. I don't have have to use my command voice very often these days, but it's there when I need it.”

Mary Smith - Virtual Imagery Photography

“The military taught me structure, discipline, work ethic and teamwork. It helped show me that hard work can pay off. That by not quitting you can reach the goals that you set.”

Steven Matthews - RisingStar Entertainment

“Military training and discipline coupled with hard work, long hours and camaraderie were influential in building fortitude, preparedness and can-do attitudes in me for life after the military. Seeing so many countries and what people live like in other parts of the world gave me an immense appreciation for what we have had here in America like no other experience could have. Being thankful for our freedoms by knowing the cost involved from our veterans and founding fathers is invaluable.”

Marty DiGiacomo - True Blue Transportation

“Being an Infantry officer in the Army is about health, fitness and self-defense of our nation, through leadership of others. Teaching traditional Kung Fu is all about helping others develop health, fitness, self-defense, and leadership skills.”

Doyle Perry - United Martial Arts

“Marine Corps taught me discipline and integrity.”

Steven Fikes - SFX Electric

“On active and reserve duty I obtained the position of Sr. Drill which allowed me Leadership and Management opportunities along with discipline and respect of others. This is the best Country in the world as I have been to several other countries during my 27 years in the Military. I believe our elders and military veterans should have the opportunity to have the best value of the services offered them. I have continually maintained a high level of schooling, education and knowledge in my field.”

Samuel Pozdol - Peete's Electric Company

“It's helped me form objectives, and become better at forming strategies to reach those objectives. It's also helped me work as a team, develop SOP's in my business, and focus on the goals I have set.”

EJ Smith - Smith Business Development Solutions

“The military prepared me to be a better business owner, by challenging my mind and body through seemingly impossible tasks. After accomplishing these tasks, I realized that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.”

David Zimmerman - Lawn n' Home Doctor

“Discipline in decision making during adverse situations by far leads the list. Leadership was always taught and practiced everyday as it is in the business world. No one never needed to tell a group of gathered people that they were in the militia.”

John Raddatz - Tri City Tool & Die, Inc.

“I learned the discipline I needed to keep going even when things got tough. I also learned perseverance, loyalty, and willingness to see a job all the way from the initial phase to completion and I thank the armed services for this.”

Olin Granthum - Nilo Construction

“From the very beginning of my business career I found the discipline and regimentation I had learned in military service to be of great value. I was able to apply this directly, first to learning a business, and then to teaching my employees about their jobs. I also learned in the military that success generally required a team effort and that every member of that team was equally valuable. For instance, fighter pilots may hold the "glory" jobs in the Air Force, but they would not be able to function without a team of mechanics and technicians who service, maintain, sometimes control, and when necessary, rescue the aircraft and crew.”

Carl Lewis - SnowWalker, LLC

“I was intent on starting a business where I could help give back to the servicemen and women that showed me the meaning of Integrity and Discipline. These are the very ethics that I have brought from the Marines into my organization.”

Mark Llano - Source One Distributors, Inc.

“As a Navy hospital corpsman back in the mid 80s, I spent several years juggling many tasks at one time. Whether drawing blood or filing medical records, everything had to be extremely organized and done quickly and perfectly. There was no room for error when it came to dealing with my daily duties in the Navy and there is no room for error today in running an agency. The military also helped me become comfortable working with different people from all ranks and all walks of life which makes running a web-centric marketing agency like eWareness much easier.”

Brian St.Ours - eWareness

“The US Army gave me the ability to make quick decisions, even though difficult keep on doing the task or duty until operation is complete and done to the best of my ability. Taught me to work as a team member, to encourage others to keep on going!”

Roy Huckaby - Weedseal Northwest Sales and Service

“Attention to detail!”

Paul Dinkins - Prep Security, LLC

“Management and leadership skills plus the idea of serving people and providing others what they need.”

Howard Tennyson - Ace Home Inspection, LLC

“The military instills in most persons a sense of responsibility and respect for structure. The chaos in our daily lives is much better dealt with, I believe, by a person with a military background as opposed to one without. This is evident by the shear number of people locked up in our prisons at enormous cost to our society. For those who chose to change their lives or to seek adventure or to follow in the footsteps of another in joining the military, my hat is off to you. All the best!”

John Berosh - Information Systems 2000

“The exposure to types of people outside of my chosen circle of friends and how to deal with difficult people are the most important lessons I learned while serving.”

John Hendrickson - Smoke Eaters Supply

“Procedures and systems.”

Ron Glazer - Ron Glazer

“Organizational Skills.”

Keith Picard - VAL-FAB, Inc.

“The Army solidified my foundation of principles, values, and training which provided me with tools to be a leader. These tools gave me the courage to finish my degree and pursue my own path as a business owner.”

Rosario Hurel - Hurel Transcription Translation Professionals

“To be disciplined, focused and detail oriented.”

Jim Sabatello - Inland Flooring Contractors, Inc.

“To better understand and appreciate the freedom that we have in the United States Of America. The discipline that the U.S. Army instilled in me was outstanding. Teamwork was the next item that I have been able to use every day in my life.”

Ernie Ratcliffe - Nu Skin Enterprises Rep - Ernie Ratcliffe

“Serving in the military gave me a good sense of direction and ethical business practices as well as a hard-working and responsible lifestyle.”

Michael Friedberg - Secure Standards, LLC

“1- Dealing with diversity 2- making well thought out and timely decisions 3- Do what ever it takes to complete the project 4- Turning negative situations into positive results”

Mel Flaget - Point 2 Point Logistics (Independent Landstar Agency)

“The military's ability to create professionals, good work ethic, discipline and can do attitude has definitely helped me with my business.”

Michael Rock - Rocktek

“Leadership and program management at the Defense Contract College.”

David Salvadorini - Salvadorini Consulting LLC

“Determination, readiness, motivated, able to accomplish any task!”

Douglas Goss - The Plumber Company. LLC

“The military taught me determination.”

Vernon Williams - The Williams Company

“It taught me to be able to deal with different personalities and to be able to be patient in waiting for what I am looking for.”

Aaron Thomason - Thomason and Partners, LLC

“Goal setting and personal discipline and the attitude to never give up also with the goal of giving back to my God and country for blessing me.”

thomas nordstrom - Tom Nordstrom Construction

“It has given me the direction, capabilities and confidence to own and operate a small business.”

Jeffrey Gruhlke - Pinnacle Carpet Care

“Remember what this country is all about!”

rome bullock - All City Drains Inc.

“My military service has helped me to be a better business owner by the organizational skills I was taught and the ability to adapt and overcome obstacles and adverse situations. Above all else honesty, integrity and to take responsibility.”

RUSSELL PRICE - R.J. Price Plumbing and Heating, Inc.

“It has made me disciplined and focused and able to multi-task.”

Doug Robinson - Maine Inspection & Engineering Company

“The military taught me to take control and follow through and give 100% to my efforts.”

Anthony Perry - Total Care Property Inspections

“Time management, responsibility, accountability, teamwork, pride, and the list goes on. I am very proud to have served and look forward to a successful career in business for myself with the help of friends, family and other veterans. Thank you.”

Lisa Madison - Rocky Coast Seminars

“Dedication, discipline, versatility and communication is the major component in a business. The military developed these skills within myself.”

Tyrone scott - Serendipitys The Biggest Little Shop

“Courage!”

Don Kelin - CADDO Solutions

“The submarine service taught me discipline and the need to work in cooperation with others.”

Michael Addison - Siella Imaging LLC

“The organizational and preparation skills I can say have given me a high drive to succeed in my business. Creating new goals and commitments. Being physically and mentally focused to complete specified tasks. Creating solutions to problems. I can say this is what the Military has done for me.”

Robert Dano - Zodiac Cleaning System LLC

“The key word in any business is integrity.”

Gerard Sunnen - Ozonics International, LLC

“Leadership, working with teams, management, efficiency and hard work.”

Mel Lamont - Lamont Brands Inc.

“Loyalty, Honesty, Motivation.”

Robert Collins - Collins Landscape Services

“Went thru some trying times in the army (helicopter crew chief-Vietnam) which makes you stronger, so you can give the extra effort it takes to run a business.”

William Whelan - The Printing Works

“The military showed me how to structure my time, money, and management.”

Brad Hedrick - Floor Designs

“Being a marine has developed discipline and organization to our business. We consider it an honor to do business with other veterans.”

Harold O'Callaghan - Waco Formworks LLC

“Discipline, leadership, coping with things when the tides are against me.”

David Woods - Woods Patrol and Security Service

“The Marines has given me the drive to keep on going. Starting your own business can be very difficult, but I know that whatever I come up against it can't be as difficult as the long deployments or rigorous training.”

Jeremy Findley - Your Trendy Lingerie

“The courtroom is a tough place to succeed, but not near as tough as the training and experiences I encountered in the Marine Corps as an enlisted infantryman.”

Russell Little - The Law Offices of Russell Little, LLC

“Honor, respect, discipline!”

stephon mudd - Services Rendered VIP Photography

“Military service provided the ability to achieve tailored results in complex operating environments with a diverse work force. Teamwork, collaboration and individual/team achievement are key to customer satisfaction and company growth and professionalism.”

Ben Saylor - Fidelity Contract Flooring, LLC

“I was a Army Corp of Engineer officer leading different platoons through multiple types of missions which really helped me be adaptable to change.”

James Farrell - The Lawson Flag Supply Co.

“The military instilled the importance of pride and dedication in the task at hand, also the need for attention to the details of any task I undertake.”

Michael Langel - Proving Grounds Lawn Care

“Personnel Management. Leadership. Strong work ethic for long hours.”

Mark Rothrock - Rocky's Bar

“Planning for multiple scenarios and learning to think independently and still be a team member are just a couple of attributes passed from active military service to being a business owner.”

Alan Ferneau - Tymely Moments - Brandon

“Learned how to be more focused on getting things done, and to research as much as I can before taking action.”

David Rowland - Rowland Enterprises

“Attention to detail, accomplish the mission, problem solving, team work, decision making, proactive, responsible, professional, finding the best and fastest ways to accomplish the mission. Good interactivity with seniors (clients) and subordinates.”

Mark Hutchings - Black Ops

“Military trains you to get things done and go the extra mile. This is the core philosophy for my company which shows in the way we treat our customers and the quality of work we perform.”

Gus Meyer - Cypress Door & Glass LLC

“Military Service enabled me to have the discipline and internal drive to succeed in creating and growing my own company.”

Jamie Falconi - Stellar Apparel

“Progressing through the ranks to senior NCO you get to see in many ways different needs of people and what makes them motivated. The organizational skills and personal and material managerial skills are necessary whether you are running a business.”

Paul Marsters - Survival and Rescue Training and Consulting

“My service in the military has allowed me to travel the world and expand my herpetology experiences far more than I ever expected. The Army Values are what I bring to work every day in order to complete the task at hand; Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage.”

Luis Fraser - Rattlesnake Removal USA - N California

“As a Marine, I was taught the values of leadership, discipline and camaraderie. This is still very much evident 35 years later.”

Frank Espinoza - Frank H Contractors

“The military provided work place skills, discipline, responsibility, order, and foresight.”

Ricky Forrest - Don's Repair

“Attention to detail that is required in the military has driven our business. Getting to jobs on time and completing them with the quality that is required is also a skill pounded into us military members.”

Russ Stark - Surface Specialists of Arrowhead Country

“Never quit or give up!”

Randy Hill - RRJN Inc.

“100% disabled Viet Nam Era Veteran and formed the show to help other veterans navigate the system for their benefits.”

James Lytner - Veterans Talk / The Forgotten Promise

“Military service taught me that taking care of people is just as important as turning a profit. We truly believe that in helping others in a fair and honest way that we are also helping ourselves to be better people.”

robert thomas - Thomas and Sons Home Efficiency

“Military services prepared me to be a better business owner by strengthening my attention to detail; motivating me to be the best that I can be in whatever circumstance; building on my leadership skills and giving me a great foundation to grow on.”

Teresa Garner - Think Business, Inc.

“It gives you the focus and discipline to deal with everyday situations. How to work as a team and to meet deadlines.”

Jean Danson - Allied Computers

“Confidence, communication skills and organization.”

Terry Maki - Bitterroot Services & Technology LLC

“Experience of Government supplies purchased and requested.”

Joseph P Pekar - MFG Reps, LLC

“Before joining the military I was a partner in a restaurant at the age of 23. When the Iraq war kicked off I had a hard time sitting on the side lines watching everything unfold. I left the partnership and joined the military. The rest is history.”

Nicholas Gray - NG Enterprises, LLC

“Leadership skills!”

C. J. Brown III - PeoplePower

“Taught me to interact with all different types of people. Taught me discipline and accountability. Taught me loyalty.”

Steve Andrascik - Steve Andrascik (Henderson Home Search)

“The attributes of leadership, pursuit of goals, service to others, and never looking back have prepared me to accept all challenges and overcome all obstacles to provide "value added" service to my fellow Americans.”

Phil Lowe - Mr. Appliance of Albuquerque

“The military prepared me very well by instilling the willingness to work long hours and a toughness to complete any task. The military also gave me the opportunity to get a degree using the GI Bill which made this all possible. Thank you!”

Dennis Dilley - PCB Interconnect Solutions, LLC

“During my time in the military I learned discipline, paying attention to detail, patience, to aggressively tackle challenging projects and the determination to see them thru to successful completion.”

Richard Holscher - Electro Products, Inc.

“Serving my country has been one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences of my life. The leadership, problem solving skills, as well as the strong work ethics instilled on me while serving, permeate everything we do at our law firm.”

Gary Lambert - Lambert & Associates

“The Army gave me the skills and confidence to open my own business. The support I have already received from fellow veterans gave me the push I need to know that I can succeed as part of the veterans community.”

Robert Kent - MN Concealed Protection, LLC

“Being a Corpsman in the Navy for 8 years taught me leadership and attention to detail.”

Jeff Moore - Quantum Home Inspections, LLC

“It has provided me with the knowledge to better navigate the inner politics of most offices.”

Steve Clark - The Vannet Group, LLC

“Learned how to lead.”

Nick DiMaggio - Jet Precision Metal Inc.

“The military life requires discipline and focus - two key elements required to be successful in business. We have a very unique perspective on life once we are no longer active in the military but the residual affect of our commitment is evident.”

Sofia Hogan - Sofia Hogan Biz Coaching

“I was a commissioned Officer, Captain, in the Army. This gave me leadership training and experience in the management of hundreds of people and millions of dollars worth of equipment that has proved valuable in my business enterprise.”

james Crawford - Dream Street Properties, LLC

“Responsibility, integrity, honor and getting the job done.”

James Pyle - Jims Computer Services

“Discipline, flexibility, honor, and sacrifice.”

Dave Weiner - Phoenix Executive Services

“Military service taught me to persevere even in difficult times while always keeping excellence a top priority.”

Sarah Hudson - The Marketing Analysts

“My Air Force experiences expanded my view of the business workplace and now allows us to uniquely approach the field of human resources through an effective and efficient use of processes, practices and principles.”

Leanne King - SeeKing HR

“The military has taught me how to manage time and people. It's also taught me how to treat people equally, fair and has instilled a high level of integrity into my business and personal life.”

Thomas Charles - Charles Electronics, LLC

“By teaching me at an early age that our country is the greatest country in the world. This inspired me to succeed in everything I do.”

Gonzalo Vergara - Distinctive Personnel

“Being a leader and doing right by my fellow man.”

Kevin Barry - DJ/Karaoke Kevin

“Learned discipline and to stick with it.”

Bruce Cram - Douglas Enterprises Transportation Services

“The military helped me mature. It also helped in making critical decisions.”

James Mathews - National System of Garage Ventilation

“Discipline and stick-to-it-tiveness, organizational skills, administrative, keep moving forward in the face of adversity; no doubt that without the skill sets I learned and honed in 18 years of military service that they prepared me.”

Doug Kelly - SEO for My Website

“Army leadership schools (Ranger School).”

Larry Mills - Skeen, Mohler & Associates Insurance

“Many traits were derived from military service, especially because of the age of the person. Most service people entered a branch of a service at 18 to 21 years of age. These are formative, learning and experience-gathering years that are nurtured.”

Joel Jablons - The TEEJAY Co.

“My 4-year enlistment in the United States Air Force taught me many skills. As a Security Police K-9 officer, I learned how to write detailed incident reports that would later be used in court to get full convictions. I also learned that a quest for knowledge and training in my career field led to special duty assignments, advancement and recognition by my superiors. Additionally, my GI Bill benefits allowed me to further my education and complete my degree programs, which provided me with additional skills needed in today's business environment.”

Jeff Tomczak - Rocky Mountain Flag Company - Littleton

“Leadership training and military experiences taught me to take pride in my accomplishments and strive to do the best I can with what ever I am doing.”

al mettler - Mettler Upholstery

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Max Hills - Reliable Auto Service, Inc.

“The USN 82-86 has taught me or helped prepare me in life for all the big words like, responsibility, dependability, respect, fairness, and much more! I probably would not be where I am today without this valuable duty of serving my country!”

Michael Marcus - Las Vegas Tile and Grout Cleaning

“Went in as a kid, came out more grown up.”

Chris Rider - DirtGlue Enterprises

“Discipline is the word.”

Joseph Massie - Massie Commercial Real Estate Services

“Improvise and overcome any difficult situation which applies to the construction trades, organization and planning to meet all challenges.”

JOSEPH REYNOLDS - RYN Electric, LLC

“As a Military Veteran, I have learned the importance of being a team player, as well as the ability to organize, and manage in a business environment. I have learned the ability to speak intelligently to any and everyone I meet.”

Deontea Vickers - The Notary Lady Services

“As an active duty member of the United States Army, I learned many many skills essential for entrepreneurship. I learned self discipline, leadership, commitment to task. I am grateful for the experience I had in the military for these reasons.”

Honey Rodgers - Premier Backyards

“We are able to produce the required documentation, samples and attention to detail needed to help make our customers approvals and acquisition processes go smoothly.”

Will Cronin - Tiger Foam Insulation